These experiences and their consequences were not examined
in detail by South Africa’s TRC,4 and it gave limited attention to the
participation and protection of children in its processes. The
Commission’s policy was not to take testimony from children under
the age of eighteen, reflecting advice given by child specialists.
However, the Commission did convene special hearings that publicly examined the experience of children and young people.
Children did not testify at these hearings, but their involvement set
new international precedents in efforts by truth commissions to
address issues surrounding children. The research briefs developed
for the hearings on human rights violations across the country
include regular references to children, as does the TRC’s final
report, which has a chapter on the special children’s hearings. The
Commission also developed recommendations specific to children
and their needs. (excerpt)